Transformer having plural-turn core

Abstract

A transformer has a multi-turn magnetic core about a loop of conductor. A bridge transformer has one turn of the core about one half of the conductor loop and a second turn of the core about the other half of the conductor loop, and an electrical center tap connection to the loop between the two halves thereof. Embedded diodes connect the ends of the loop to an external circuit.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A transformer comprising, in combination; a core of magnetic material with four post segments and four link segments, arranged to form a single continuous flux path,   said segments arranged so that the flux path comprises, in order, a first post, a first link, a second post, a second link, a third post, a third link, a fourth post and a fourth link,   a secondary structure comprising a secondary conducting path,   said secondary conducting path being connected to an external circuit via two end terminals and a center tap terminal,   said secondary conducting path passing from the first of said end terminals, under said second link, over said first link, under said fourth link, and over said third link, to the second of said end terminals, thereby enclosing two of said four posts, and excluding the other two of said four posts,   said center tap terminal located on the said secondary conducting path between said second post and said fourth post,   a primary conducting path connected to an external circuit via two primary terminals, whereby currents in the turns of said primary conducting path additively produce flux in said single flux path.   
     
     
       2. A transformer as in claim 1 in which the said primary and said second conducting paths consist of planar windings. 
     
     
       3. A transformer as in claim 1 in which the said primary conducting path is a planar winding, said secondary structure being formed in a plane from a single conducting sheet. 
     
     
       4. A transformer as in claim 1 in which said primary conducting path and said secondary conducting path are of substantially identical shape and are positioned in close physical proximity to provide tight magnetic coupling. 
     
     
       5. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said structure includes planar rectifier diode components within said secondary conducting path whereby inductance in the circuit path from the first of said end terminals, through said diode components, to the second of said end terminals is minimized and commutating action of the diodes is facilitated.